Lazio has brought home a surprise defensive coup: Oliver Provstgaard arrives, but who is he? An observer who knows him very well explains.
Lazio, chi è Oliver Provstgaard: ce lo spiega chi lo conosce bene (Foto: Ansa) – serieanews.com
In the January market, Lazio surprised everyone with the purchase of Oliver Provstgaard, a young Danish defender from Vejle.
A name that, to most, might be unfamiliar, but for soccer fans in the North represents a very interesting prospect. Letting us know more about him is the Facebook page “The Nordic Football,” run by an experienced and very knowledgeable scout who closely follows Scandinavian soccer talent.
Provstgaard is a left-handed central defender, class of 2003, 194 cm tall. Looking at these figures, one might think of the classic behemoth up front, dominant in physical duels and ready to exploit his size in contrasts. But no.
His peculiarity lies precisely in the fact that he is not a defender who bases his game on these characteristics alone. In fact, according to those who follow him closely, his header and physicality are not even his best qualities.
While he is decent in the aerial game, he is not yet a dominant defender in this fundamental: the ball comes to him, but his direction and power are not always flawless. However, by working on this aspect, he could become very dangerous on set pieces.
Physically, however, he is still building his muscle structure, but his style of play is more based on defensive technique than brute strength. The combination of the two could make him grow further.
Provstgaard e Belahyane: la Lazio è già nel futuro
A really interesting blow, that of Lazio, which in the end despite many vicissitudes, one above all the Casadei affaire, proved to be attentive and ready to close two very high-profile purchases, for the future but also for the present.
Provstgaard e Belahyane: la Lazio è già nel futuro (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
Yes, because not only the defender is coming, but also the midfielder. And what a midfielder. Rada Belahyane, who is also ready to make it official, is one of the best news of this season: exploded in Verona, he played 5 months of very high profile that had him in the sights of several bigs, and in the end he was chosen by Lazio.
Just as he won it for Oliver Provstgaard: blown away by Pisa, which had him practically in its grasp, so much so that the post of Calcio Nordico to describe the young Danish giant spoke precisely of a landing at the Tuscan club: Lazio closed for a sum of around 4.5 million and took him home, burning the Nerazzurri, who moreover are on the rampage with Oliver’s club for the way the negotiation developed.
Provstgaard, le caratteristiche tecniche di un bel talento
But let’s go back to delve into Lazio’s new acquisition and get to know him better, again as described by the good Alexander of Nordic Football.
One of Provstgaard’s best gifts is his ability to read the game. He is extremely good at counter-attacks thanks to his almost always perfect timing, which allows him to never be found unprepared. He is not a defender who desperately chases opponents: he positions himself well and can intercept balls intelligently. This tactical maturity is impressive for a boy just 21 years old.
Provstgaard, le caratteristiche tecniche di un bel talento (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
In addition to his technical qualities, he has already demonstrated a strong personality: he was captain of Vejle and of the Danish U21 national team. A clear sign of leadership, a trait that could prove invaluable to Lazio at a time of change and growth.
Obviously, he is not yet a complete player. His left foot is effective but not particularly refined, and his throws are more functional than elegant. He also needs to speed up his ball handling, because the pace of Serie A is quite different from that of the Danish Superligaen. He will also need to toughen up physically quickly to withstand the impact of the Italian strikers.
The impact with Italian soccer will not be easy: the move from Vejle to Lazio represents a major leap, but having six months to settle in before next season could prove to be an advantage. Of course, Lazio will have to work patiently, but the talent is there. I
n short, if you are looking for a young defender in northern Europe, hard to find better in this age group. He may miss a few games, he will have to grow up, but those who have watched him closely are ready to bet on him. A long-term investment that could turn out to be a smart coup for Lazio
This article Lazio, who is Oliver Provstgaard: those who know him well explain it to us appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.